Izu Oshima

Izu Oshima (伊豆大島), the largest island in the Izu archipelago, is a volcanic island located about 120 kilometers south of Tokyo, Japan. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the island is known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and scenic hiking trails.

One of the most popular attractions on the island is Mount Mihara (三原山), an active volcano that last erupted in 1986. Visitors can hike to the summit and witness the dramatic volcanic landscape, including unique lava formations and sulfur vents emitting a distinctive smell. The inner caldera of Mount Mihara houses “Urasabaku” (裏砂漠), the only desert in Japan, with its otherworldly scenery.

Another fascinating geological site is the “Chiso Dai Setsudanmen” (The Great Road Cut), located in the southwestern part of the island. This spot reveals a cross-section of the island’s geological layers, resembling a “baumkuchen” cake, illustrating the island’s volcanic history.

The Habu Museum Park (大島公園) showcases the island’s culture and history, exhibiting the island’s geology, wildlife, and traditional crafts, alongside a collection of artifacts from its past. The park also encompasses the Tsubaki-hana Garden, a vast area with around 3 million wild camellia trees, and a squirrel village where visitors can interact with friendly squirrels.

Besides hiking and exploring the volcanic landscapes, visitors can indulge in the island’s various hot springs, such as Hama-no-yu and Motomachi Hama-no-yu. Other popular activities include diving, fishing, cycling, and stargazing.

Getting there

From Tokyo to Izu Oshima:

Ferry	Takeshiba Pier ↓ Tokai Kisen ↓ 6 hours Izu Oshima (Cost) ・2nd class / 6,020 yen ・Special 2nd / 9,050 yen ・1st class / 12,050 yen ・Special 1st / 14,450 yen ・VIP / 16,860 yen
Jet Ferry	Takeshiba Pier ↓ Tokai Kisen ↓ 6 hours 30 minutes Izu Oshima (Cost 9,760 yen)
Plane	Chofu Airport ↓ New Chuo Airlines ↓ 25 minutes Izu Oshima Airport (Cost 13,800 yen)

From Atami to Izu Oshima:

Jet Ferry

Atami Port ↓ Tokai Kisen ↓ 45 minutes Izu Oshima (Cost 6,190 yen)

From Ito to Izu Oshima:

Jet Ferry

Ito Port ↓ Tokai Kisen ↓ 35 minutes Izu Oshima (Cost 5,180 yen)

Izu Islands

Toshima Located approximately 145 kilometers south of Tokyo, Toshima (利島) is one of the islands of the Izu Archipelago, situated in the northern part of the island...

Niijima Niijima (新島), one of the two inhabited islands that make up the village of Niijima (新島村) in the Izu archipelago, is a captivating destination located ap...

Miyakejima Miyakejima (三宅島) is a volcanic island located in the Izu archipelago of Japan. It is part of the Tokyo Metropolitan area and is situated approximately 180...

Kozushima Kozushima (神津島), one of the islands of the Izu Archipelago, is located approximately 180 kilometers south of Tokyo. The island is a popular destination fo...

Mikurajima Mikurajima (御蔵島), a small island located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 200 kilometers south of Tokyo, Japan, is part of the Izu Islands and falls und...

Hachijojima Hachijojima (八丈島), the second largest island in the Izu archipelago, is a volcanic island located approximately 290 kilometers south of Tokyo, Japan. The ...

Links and Resources

Oshima Town	https://www.town.oshima.tokyo.jp/
Oshima Tourism Association	https://izu-oshima.or.jp/
Izu Oshima Geopark	https://izuoshima-geo.org/en/
Tokai Kisen	https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/